Sacraments

The sacraments are outward, visible signs of inward grace.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, they are “instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed” (1131). St. Michael’s offers sacramental preparation classes for all sacraments of initiation listed below.

Reconciliation

Also known as Confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is where the faithful encounter God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness. At St. Michael, this sacrament is offered on Fridays at 8 a.m.-9 a.m., and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation perfects the grace that Christians receive during Baptism. And, similar to Baptism, it imprints an indelible mark on a Christian’s soul, which is why this sacrament can only be received once (CCC 1316).

For adults who want to be confirmed (18 and up), St. Michael’s also has a Confirmation program for you. Please contact the parish office at 403 249 0423 or parish@saintmichael.ca to learn more.

Eucharist and First Communion

The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life”, and all the other sacraments are ultimately oriented toward it (CCC 1324). We Catholics believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist, and that in the Holy Mass we all participate in the heavenly liturgy.

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick, also called Extreme Unction, is administered to any baptized person who is seriously ill or in danger of death (CCC 1513), and can only be administered by a priest. Parishioners who would like to receive the sacrament may do so by calling the parish at 403 249 0423.

The Diocese of Calgary also has a Priest Emergency Paging hotline at 403 231 9505 for those in need of Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, or Viaticum in an emergency medical situation.

Marriage

Matrimony is the sacrament in the Catholic Church by which “a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life” (CCC 1601). With the blessing of God and the Church – in the presence of family and friends – a couple who enters into marriage celebrates a union of love that is oriented toward each other’s good and towards procreation.

The first step is to contact our secretary at 403 249 0423 or parish@saintmichael.ca to schedule a meeting with one of our priests, who will give guidance on what needs to be done.

Rite of Christian Initiation

Thinking of joining the Catholic Church? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a sacramental process through which adults are welcomed into the Church. At the heart of the RCIA process is conversion, and the process is celebrated in a time frame unique to each person. Each journeyer (called a “candidate”) requires a sponsor from the parish to support him/her.